2013 is turning into a fantabulous year. First Shadows of the Realm reached number 1 in two categories on Amazon (albeit for a short while), then I was lucky enough to talk at the NSW Writers Centre, my second book came out last week (after months of hard work), and now I’m smiling my way through April and May—until I get to speak at the most amazing event of 2013 (at least for me) on 23rd May. The Sydney Writers Festival is a week-long event that attracts thousands of readers, writers and those with an interest in cultural things (hmm, things is such a low-brow, simple word, but all the excitement of this year has my brain lost for anything more appropriate).

Over 500 authors, journalists and creative types (including Molly Ringwald, Ruby Wax and Michael Carlton) are presenting. It’s an amazing festival to be a part of. I don’t know how I got to be so lucky, but I’m going to enjoy it and hope it’s not the last one I get to natter at.

As an advocate for professional self-publishing, I’m sitting on a panel called The Author as Everything—Publisher, Printer, Publicist, which will discuss the ins and outs of self-publishing and is being chaired by Anna Maguire (who has many years experience in publishing and now helps self-published authors). Authors Chris Allen and Elisabeth Storrs will be joining us. It’s part of a day-long seminar on publishing in general, called The Forest for the Trees, which will be super interesting (trust me on this) and encompasses insights from publishers, authors and agents. If you can make it, it would be great to see you (well, ok, I also need some people to hold up the “I love Dionne” banners and cheer when I say something clever).

Oh my, I have my banner ready and I am so excited, just one little detail, do you have any idea what the airfare is from Atlanta to Australia? I have to buy two tickets too, one for me and one for David. You are going to be fantastic Dionne, representing the poor indie author, please don’t feel too much pressure, there are millions of us counting on you though 🙂

Very awesome news, and Efi Loo said to say, pawsome, Dionne! You will be great. You have a lot of experience and insight on this topic. Don’t forget to plug your great editing skills as well 🙂 Have fun!

Yay, Dionne. I’m so happy for you and amazing your success. All this exposure has to be helpful, plus you get to talk to a lot of others in the publishing industry. I’ll look forward to your updates on how the Writer’s Festival goes!

Hey Suzie. I’ll be sure to do a blog post afterwards. Traditional publishers will be talking as well and I’ll let everyone know what they have to say too. It’s a time of great change and I’m excited to be in the middle of it :).